Stone must be a rock for Sens
OTTAWA Senators winger Mark Stone has helped lead the way during this difficult NHL season.
Ottawa will need a big effort from him Monday when the Senators (14-164) play host to Nashville (22-10-1) if the local side hopes to score a victory.
Stone played 26 minutes last Tuesday in Nashville with the Senators short-handed and he’ll get lots of time in this one.
Ex-senator Kyle Turris returned to the Predators’ lineup last Thursday after being out for an extended period with an upper body injury. He missed the chance to play his old team last week, when Nashville scored a 3-1 win on home ice. Here are 5 Things to watch for Monday at the Canadian Tire Centre:
1. Cut down the shots Craig Anderson will be back in the net against the Predators. He allowed three goals on 33 shots last Tuesday in Nashville. The Senators gave up 48 shots to Montreal on Saturday night, but did a good job in Detroit 24 hours earlier. The club can’t allow Anderson to get so much work.
2. Continue to win at home The Senators haven’t been able to win on the road with any consistency, so they need to get points when they can. The club dropped a 2-1 decision to the visiting Bruins last Sunday. The Senators have only lost two straight at home once this year and have a 10-5-3 record in Ottawa.
3. Goals from Ryan Dzingel He’s got 12 goals this season, but Dzingel always leaves you wanting to see more offence. He has just three goals in his last 16 games. He gets lots of ice time and he’s on the power play. A lot of his scoring was done early in the season. He has to keep cashing on those chances because he gets plenty.
4. Stay out of the box
The Senators would be better off to stay disciplined, but their penalty killing has improved lately. The Senators have allowed only one power play goal in their last six games. The club has gone from being ranked 30th to 28th, which is a step in the right direction.
5. Close out strong
The Senators have three games left before the fourday Christmas break. A victory here before facing New Jersey on Friday on the road and Saturday at home against Washington would be good for the confidence level. The Senators haven’t had a whole lot of consistency this year and need a victory.